Hockey Operations

Steve Poapst

Steve Poapst enters his third as an assistant coach with the Rockford IceHogs. Poapst comes to Rockford after serving as general manager and head coach of the Chicago Steel (USHL).

With Rockford, Poapst oversees the team’s defensemen and has been instrumental in the development of Blackhawks prospects on the blueline including Dylan Olsen, Ryan Stanton and Joe Lavin.

The Cornwall, Ontario native spent nearly four years with the Steel before joining the Blackhawks organization and was named the USHL’s Coach of The Year in 2008 after guiding the club to a 20-win improvement from the previous campaign.

The former defenseman played 220 games with Chicago from 2000-2004, including a career high 75 during the 2002-03 season.

Poapst made his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals in 1995-96, playing in three games, but spent most of his first seven seasons of professional hockey playing in the minor leagues before getting extended time with the Capitals in 1998-99.

As a player, Poapst totaled 307 NHL games, notching 8 goals and 28 assists from the point. Poapst was a teammate of current Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard and Blackhawks Vice President and Assistant to the President Al MacIsaac with the Hampton Roads Admirals in 1991-92 during his rookie season.

Prior to turning to the pro game, Poapst spent four years at Colgate University skating with the Raiders.